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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to be disappointed in Bridgerton?

268 replies

Scatterlingsofafrica · 30/12/2020 02:07

I love costume dramas and was excited when I heard there was a new one on Netflix. But it’s awful! I can’t watch it- the costumes, the dialogue, the plot are all completely implausible and unconvincing. Anyone else feel the same?

OP posts:
Oldsu · 30/12/2020 07:24

@WhatIsAWeekday

It's rubbish but I'm enjoying it. Still surprised it's a Shondaland production (Shonda Rhimes).

I'm on episode 3. The Duke is a beautiful man! Love Lady Danbury and Lady Bridgerton (I think she's called - Daphne's mum).

Here for the 'diversity' bunfight though 😉

Not sure why you think there would be a diversity bun fight - if you have heard of Shonda Rhimes and have watched her other shows you would be aware that she always has strong black characters, when I heard it was her I expected to see a lot of diversity I would have been much more surprised if her black characters had been confined to servants or background characters
longwayoff · 30/12/2020 07:32

Its entertainment not history. It looks quite nice. They should have thrown in a few asthma inhalers to help them through their sex scenes, heaving, groaning, gasping, wheezing but it's the dog days twix xmas and new year. And actors are actors, skin colour immaterial.

Camomila · 30/12/2020 07:42

I enjoyed the first few episodes but the Daphne-Duke storyline was quite boring after they got married. I liked the side characters, Benedict, Colin, and Penelope more so watched for them (and the dresses, the fabrics were soo beautiful)

CareBear50 · 30/12/2020 07:47

I thought it was a load of UTTER SHITE

Aahotep · 30/12/2020 07:52

I wish someone would adapt a Georgette Heyer for TV, they are hilarious and pretty good for accuracy even though not period written.
Sounds like I won't like Bridgerton.

Backbee · 30/12/2020 07:53

It was just a car crash of utter nonsense, but I would watch another series.

Haha same!

Foxglovii · 30/12/2020 07:54

It was utter fantastical nonsense that I loved. I loved what they did with the music too.

It's not Downton, but it's not trying to be. It's just a feast.

I did however have a problem with two things.

  1. The soft porn side after they got married. It was basically an episode of sex.
  2. The actor who played the opera singer..she sang beautifully but her delivery of spoken lines was painful.

It was fantasy. As fantasy it was brilliant.

Anybody watch Derry Girls? I don't know the actors name, but I loved how different she was - really well done!

Camomila · 30/12/2020 07:57

The 2012 Upstairs Downstairs is on iplayer...people might enjoy it more, there's a less sex and a lot more plot!

Bitcherama · 30/12/2020 08:01

Load of daft nonsense but am enjoying it on the whole.

Minor annoyances: get the bloody titles right. Women were not the Right Honourable and Lady Bridgerton isn't the Dowager until Lord Bridgerton gets married. Also, the weird Queen Charlotte possible African ancestry justification for using a black actress. Queen Charlotte was white. The actress who plays her is great; her ethnicity isn't relevant, so don't make up some unconvincing bollocks for something that doesn't need to be justified in the first place.

Breastfeedingworries · 30/12/2020 08:02

Loving it!

CoronaCurls · 30/12/2020 08:03

I think it is like a bad fanfiction of Jane Austen, but I totally enjoyed and can't wait for season 2 Grin

knittingaddict · 30/12/2020 08:05

I enjoyed, but I read loads of regency romances. It was as expected, but may be a surprise for those who don't know the genre. I really loved the clothes and the frothiness of it. Regency romances have a formula and I fully expect to see every plot point coming a mile off.

I've only seen the first episode, so haven't seen the bit about the withdrawal method, but that is a common theme in 90% of steamy romances set in this era.

As for making the Queen black, I assumed that was colour blind casting rather than casting aspersions on the Queen's heritage. After all the Duke and his family are black and I don't think there where many black people with titles at the time. I'm pretty sure there were none. Personally I like colour blind casting.

WhatIsAWeekday · 30/12/2020 08:06

Not sure why you think there would be a diversity bun fight - if you have heard of Shonda Rhimes and have watched her other shows you would be aware that she always has strong black characters, when I heard it was her I expected to see a lot of diversity I would have been much more surprised if her black characters had been confined to servants or background characters

I know and agree. I meant 'diversity bunfight' on MN because of this very reason (like posts about 'PC gone mad', 'woke', etc) because I see it all the time about shows with a diverse cast, especially when it's unexpected.

OhWhyNot · 30/12/2020 08:11

I’m really enjoying it

Its entertainment not a history lesson.

Preggo100 · 30/12/2020 08:11

YAB Soooooooooo U! Downton abbey meets gossip girl... What is there not to like? Granted, it wasn't what I was expecting but it was so much better! Best thing I've watched in ages.

knittingaddict · 30/12/2020 08:11

@Bitcherama

Load of daft nonsense but am enjoying it on the whole.

Minor annoyances: get the bloody titles right. Women were not the Right Honourable and Lady Bridgerton isn't the Dowager until Lord Bridgerton gets married. Also, the weird Queen Charlotte possible African ancestry justification for using a black actress. Queen Charlotte was white. The actress who plays her is great; her ethnicity isn't relevant, so don't make up some unconvincing bollocks for something that doesn't need to be justified in the first place.

Did they use a justification for why the Queen was portrayed as black? Like I say I've only seen the first episode and may have missed it. Shame if they did because I don't think it was necessary to justify their casting choices. Also why justify the Queen, but not the Duke and his family?
Bitcherama · 30/12/2020 08:11

knittingaddict the Queen's casting has been justified by the author on the grounds of her possibly having a 13th century black ancestor or some utter shite like that. There's no need for it. The actress is great, they don't need an excuse to cast her.

thewinkingprawn · 30/12/2020 08:13

I find it very strange that anything ‘historical’ gets cries of it’s not accurate. The Crown being a prime example. Like our pea brains cannot distinguish the difference between fiction and a documentary. Unless I am watching a documentary I do not expect any accuracy, nor do I use it as my textbook on the period. I thought it was great fun - just what was needed at the moment!

sashagabadon · 30/12/2020 08:17

I agree with others. It’s not an authentic period drama and doesn’t mean to me? It’s not quite a comedy though as it doesn’t make me laugh or even smile but I like all the colours and the frocks etc.
It is quite feminist though. All the ridiculousness of a young woman being ruined for minor infringements and having to marry. And how men get to do what they want the young women who have no agency whether Rich or poor. All their lives dependent on men in various ways. I like the younger sister eloise, I am on ep 5 so no idea who mrs whistle down is.

YourWurstNightmare · 30/12/2020 08:18

YANBU, OP. It was boring and badly written. But then, I don't like any of Shonda's shows.

HelloDulling · 30/12/2020 08:18

Utter tripe. Loved it.

longwayoff · 30/12/2020 08:20

Also, Regency fans, Lost in Austen is on Britbox. Another jolly romp through the costume department which is amusing and definitely worth watching as long as you can suspend your disbelief.

GCAcademic · 30/12/2020 08:20

@Doingtheboxerbeat

After 10 minutes i was getting a very strong Hollyoaks vibe so I have thrown it back into the sea . Might revisit later when I'm in the mood - this usually works.
How odd, I also found that it reminded me of Hollyoaks. I haven’t cringed so much at poor dialogue and wooden acting since I last watched that. I watched the first episode but couldn’t take any more.
RoSEbuds6 · 30/12/2020 08:22

I love it, but so much sex! So pleased I wasn’t watching it with my mum!

DelphiniumBlue · 30/12/2020 08:29

@RoSEbuds6

I love it, but so much sex! So pleased I wasn’t watching it with my mum!
I was watching it with my ( adult) son! Episode 5 was a bit too steamy, that's the wedding one...is Episode 6 more sex? We can look away or play with our phones for a short scene or 2, but it's awkward when it goes on ..and on...Shall I tell him I'm watching it by myself from now??